Nana's Restaurant

Nana's is a Durham, North Carolina fine dining institution that has occupied its place on University Drive since chef Scott Howell opened it in 1992. One of the Triangle's longest-running upscale restaurants, Nana's has earned its longevity through consistent execution of Mediterranean-influenced New American cuisine and a wine program that remains among the most seriously assembled in the region. The name is a tribute to Howell's grandmother, and the restaurant carries that sense of warmth and familiarity even at its most formal. The menu draws freely on Mediterranean traditions while staying grounded in seasonal American ingredients: lamb rack is prepared with the precision of a classical French kitchen and the flavor palette of southern Europe. House-made pasta reflects Italian technique applied to local North Carolina grains and seasonal accompaniments. Pan-roasted halibut is executed simply and impeccably, allowing the quality of the fish to speak. The chocolate ganache tart is the dessert that ends most meals at Nana's and has become a signature of the kitchen's ability to be both indulgent and composed. The dining room on University Drive is gracious without being intimidating — well-appointed tables, proper linens, and attentive service that reflects three decades of refinement. The wine list is particularly notable, with depth across European regions and a selection of older vintages that make it a destination for serious wine drinkers in the Triangle. Reservations are recommended and can be made through the restaurant's website or by phone.